As much as we’ve been happy to welcome new fashion retailers from the US and overseas to Toronto, the next generation of style fanatics are finding their rare, covetable goods online. Online shops have become the best way to find your favourite luxury brand’s exclusive collaboration of the season or a brand-new designer from the other side of the world. And while the thought of buying something to wear that you’ve never tried on or seen in person might seem sketchy, as long as you do your research (and know what looks great on your body), it can open a whole new world of style options.
Junior Sealy, an avid online shopper who moved from studying accounting to computer science to following his fashion dreams, now has a local online shop called LAB & iD that features bold prints, athletic-inspired mesh tees and Dr Martens. What I love about Junior’s style is that it’s fashion forward but still feels casual and easy. He can spend the day running errands in a T-shirt and leather shorts and ball cap, then keep them on for a night out. The best thing about LAB is its unisex category, where both guys and gals can shop for goods that will look flawless. Be sure to also look up Très Bien, Mr Porter and Oki-ni (for boys) and Nowhereland, Nasty Gal and Black Milk (for the ladies).
Describe your style:
High-fashion street.
What made you start LAB & iD?
Inaccessibility. There were so many clothes and brands I couldn’t find, so I wanted to make them available.
How/where do you source your brands? When I first started out, I would do a lot of research on the internet. Now I’m lucky enough to have brands contact me.
What do you look for in an online shop?
Uniqueness.
Other online shops you love?
Ssense, Luisaviaroma.
What’s next for you and LAB?
We’re excited to feature some amazing new brands from FW 12, KTZ, Maria KE Fisherman, Meat and SP Badu (from Calgary).
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